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Lares trek and short Inca trail to Machu Picchu, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we have in Cusco.
If you didn’t get the permits for the Inca Trail 4 Days, this is the best alternative due to geographical and historical region (Snow, in the Native Quechua language, means: “Apus gods who preserved the vital liquid water, by making offerings, so that they never lack water their fields of cultivation). Also, we can see lagoons (that in Quechua is translated to “qochas” a place of the origin of the Incas – natives from this area still make special ceremonies to those lagoons.
You can also see many South American Camelids typical of Peru, Chile, and Argentina, especially many alpacas, llamas, and guanacos, who were especially sacred to the Incas (Llamas played a very important role in transportation, and some were used in sacrifices as a form of sanctification for a good yield in crop production.
Along the hike from Lares trek and the short Inca trail to Machu Picchu for 5 days, you’ll meet local people who are cheerful and still use the traditional attire (bright and colorful) of the original natives from the area.
This trek is definitely for those individuals who like to hike, attain more historical knowledge, and meet people seeing their everyday contact with the Pachamama (“Mother Earth”). This trek towards Machu Picchu also allows you to fully enjoy the microclimates and unique landscapes, along with old-fashioned cuisines and fresh natural products. We have a very experienced cook who will surprise you.

First day in Road Lares Trek And Short Inca Trail
Ready for the adventure”; Pick-up at 5:30 a.m. at your hotel. Heading towards the City of Pisac (1 hour approx.) there we will have a historical account of the ruins in Pisac while enjoying the sunrise and the breathtaking view of the Valley of Pisac and a delicious breakfast. Afterward, we’ll travel to the Village of Huaran (40 min.). It’s here that you’ll link up with our staff, re-group, and organize our adventure towards Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.
First-day trekking; as your adventure begins, it’s a smooth and easy day when you’ll see the natural way of life of the inhabitants of this region and observe maize “corn” and potato fields. You’ll continue for Approx. 3 hours, on a gravel road until having lunch. Afterward lunch, we recommend a “siesta”. Then we will walk at approx. 1 hour until arriving at the camp of the “Cancha – Field” with an impressive view of the snow-covered mountain and the main road that we are going to follow for the next 3 days. We will have a short interaction with the local kinsmen and women and have an early dinner and hot drinks. At night you’ll indulge in viewing the constellations and snowy peaks.
DETAILS:
We awake at 5:45 a.m. with a refreshing hot “coca tea” (which helps with altitude sickness). After packing up we will continue to ascend and you’ll find children herding. As per the Peruvian tradition, we definitely recommend taking presents like (clothing, toys, especially books and pencils). In case, you have altitude sickness during this steep climb to the top, we’ll have horses to mount while you rest (Approx. 4 hrs.) to the peak called “Pachacutec”.
Then we’ll enter a tiny town called “Acopata” to enjoy a delicious cup of coca tea/soda while sightseeing the crystalline lagoons and observing part of the sacred valley. The trek will have its ups and downs (40 min. Approx.) till we reach our lunch area near a lagoon with abundant “trout”.
Later, we’ll walk to the community of Quishurani still descending for about 1:40 min to stop and have lunch. After lunch, we’ll continue for another 2 hours to reach camp (Quishurani). Here you’ll enjoy the local communities’ way of life and have hot fusion drinks.
DETAILS:
Picking up where we left off, you’ll have an early wake-up call with hot coca tea delivered to your tents. Followed by a delicious breakfast. We begin our hike for approx. 3 hours all the while observing the many crops such as our world-famous nutritionally complete grain known as “Quinoa”, and many varieties of potatoes all originally from South America.
Once we’ve reached the “Huillquicasa” top, you’ll have a gorgeous view of some very transparent lagoons. After a quick break, we will start down to the village of Cuncani, our transportation awaits us. The drive is about 30 min to the secluded “Hot Springs” near the City of Lares. After taking pleasure in the different naturally heated hot springs, you’ll have lunch. After lunch, we’ll board the bus towards the City of Ollantaytambo (part of the Sacred Valley)
DETAILS
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
• Accommodation: hotel
• Distance: 15kms / 9.3 miles
• Time: 6hrs approximately
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Train to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes)
• Aguas Calientes (internet,cable tv,hotels,restaurants,ATM)
• Hot shower
We will wake up to have breakfast, and then take the train.
to “Kilometer 104”.is 1 hour and 30 minutes ruffly. Once there we Will pass the control, and our trekking of the Short Inca Trail begins. Our first hike is approximately 4 hours to reach the “wiñayhuayna” archaeological complex. Afterward, lunch will be served. (actually, I will have a box lunch) if you are vegetarian let me know,
Following lunch, you’ll continue hiking towards the (Intipunku-Sungate), one hour and a half then Will have time to take some pictures (THE FIRST STUNNING LOOKOUT OF MACHUPICCHU), and then gonna be just 40 minutes to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world and enigmatic place after a whole, Then we will board the bus to Machu Picchu town for 30 minutes, once there we will go to the hotel to check in and take a hot bath, then have dinner in a restaurant
DETAILS:
You will need to start off right: breakfast (5:00 a.m.) at the hotel. Then, you will board the bus that goes up to Machu Picchu, which will take approximately 25 minutes to arrive (the gate opens at 6:00 a.m.) Once there we will have to show our passports and depending on the circuit they will give us some necklaces (The best circuit is the 2nd, for this you have to book 3 months in advance).
We will go to the top, there are 4 platforms where you can take classic photos with the view of Huayna Picchu Mountain, once on the last platform the guide will give an introduction about Machu Picchu and then we will visit the most important places in Machu Picchu such as the Stone Quarry, the Temple of the Sun, the Main Square, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Inca Compass, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the Condor, the Water Fountains, the Inca Terraces, Food Stores this is the second circuit and the best.
After touring Machu Picchu, you will have to board the bus to Aguas Calientes town and have lunch (not included) in the afternoon board the train to Ollantaytambo town and then take the bus to Cusco, where we will drop you off at your hotel.
Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2026 through January 2027.
Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
GO TREKS PERU As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator, we provide you with a duffle bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress, and extra clothing.
The Lares Trek and Short Inca Trail 5 Days is an excellent alternative to the Classic Inca Trail, combining an immersive cultural experience in the Lares Valley with the breathtaking final section of the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu. This trek offers a mix of remote Andean villages, stunning landscapes, and the chance to explore the historic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) before reaching the Lost City of the Incas.
The trek is moderate to challenging, with steep ascents and high-altitude passes. The Short Inca Trail involves a 10km (6.2-mile) hike with some steep sections. Physical preparation is recommended.
The Lares Trek does not require permits.
The Short Inca Trail requires permits, which must be booked in advance due to limited availability.
Spend 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before the trek.
Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol before the hike.
Hike at a steady pace and rest when needed.
The best time is from May to September (dry season), when the trails are clear and weather conditions are optimal.
The Lares Trek can be done independently, but the Short Inca Trail requires a licensed guide.
Essential items include:
100% Locally Owned by a Tour Guide
Go Treks Peru was founded by Elisban Condori, a local tour guide with years of experience leading treks to Machu Picchu. His goal is simple: to offer top-quality, authentic experiences led by passionate professionals who truly know the Andes.
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US$750